The “Bluegrass Boogie” is not only a way to gather the community during the holiday season, but it will serve as a charitable event, too. Ticket and concession sales will benefit Folkmoot USA and Women of Waynesville. Guests are encouraged to bring nonperishable food items for the local food pantry.
The event is packed with performers including The Darren Nicholson Band (country/bluegrass), Ol’ Dirty Bathtub (Americana/bluegrass) and Chris Minick (singer-songwriter)
Schedule:
- 5:00 – 6:00 pm — Chris Minick: A beloved Haywood County singer-songwriter, Minick specializes in original material, as well as several notable covers from a wide-range of popular acoustic influences.
- 6:30 – 8:00 pm — Ol’ Dirty Bathtub: With its debut album “Pack Mule” a few years ago, Jackson County Americana/bluegrass group Ol’ Dirty Bathtub has become a very popular live act around Western North Carolina and beyond in recent years. “We’ve always had energy when playing on someone’s porch, but on several occasions lately we have been able to replicate it live,” said ODB guitarist Jerad Davis. “And that’s what makes this fun — people dancing, rooms getting hot, creating an atmosphere that is as fun for those listening as it is for us onstage. That’s why we do it. And that fuels the passion, the creativity. It’s a double positive feedback loop.”
- 8:30 – 10:00 pm — The Darren Nicholson Band: There’s a lot going on in Nicholson’s life these days. At 38, the Canton-based artist recently celebrated his 20th year as a professional touring musician, with the last 15 spent as the mandolinist in Balsam Range — arguably one of the most successful, award-winning bluegrass acts of the 21st century thus far. At a glance, Balsam Range has won the International Bluegrass Music Association award for “Entertainer of the Year” (2014, 2018), “Album of the Year” (2013, 2017), “Vocal Group of the Year” (2014, 2015) and “Song of the Year” (2011, 2015, 2021), among numerous other accolades. And yet, Nicholson has always been someone on the move. Aside from the whirlwind touring/recording schedule for Balsam Range, he will soon release his fourth solo album, “Man On A Mission” (out Nov. 26). The Americana/country album is not only his debut for the storied Mountain Home Records (Arden), it’s also a life marker for Nicholson — a sincere, intricate soul in pursuit of the fruits of life, whether that be love or camaraderie, hard work or creative fulfillment.
Folkmoot USA & Adamas Entertainment present the inaugural “Bluegrass Boogie: A Haywood County Holiday Celebration” charity concert, with sponsorship from The Smoky Mountain News.
